Daniel Radcliffe wanted for Mercury biopic

Following Sacha Baron Cohen's departure from the project earlier this year, rumour has it that producers want Daniel Radcliffe to take the lead as Freddie Mercury in an upcoming biopic.

According to the Daily Star, unnamed movie bosses are impressed by the Harry Potter actor's recent work.

[Radcliffe horror 'Horns' divides critics]

A source told the tabloid: "Daniel has been told the part is his if he wants it.

"Despite his youth, Daniel impressed movie bosses with his portrayal of gay poet Allen Ginsburg in this year's movie Kill Your Darlings. Plus, he's closer in height to Freddie than Sacha, who's much taller. Daniel can really sing, too."

The part could potentially be hugely lucrative for Radcliffe, but whether anything will come of the reports remains to be seen.

[James-Collier: I'll play Mercury]

For his part, Baron Cohen withdrew from the role due to clashes over the script with band members Brian May and Roger Taylor. Reports suggest that the actor didn't feel Mercury's story was being told accurately.

A release date hasn't yet been set for the currently untitled film.